Quick Links
- Best Overall Pickleball Set: PROLITE Illuminate 2.0 2 Paddle Bundle with Sling Bag
- Best Overall Pickleball Set — Runner Up: Rally Flare Graphite 2-Paddle Bundle
- Best Pickleball Set for Intermediate Players: Paddletek Phoenix G6 Composite Bundle
- Best Budget Complete Pickleball Set: Rally Meister Complete Beginner Pickleball Set with Portable Pickleball Net
- Best Pickleball Set With Net Included: Rally Flare Graphite Set
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What’s the fastest way to start playing America’s fastest-growing sport - pickleball?
Simple… buy a pickleball set!
A pickleball set has everything you need to get started: paddles, balls, and a net.
They’re the most convenient way to get out on the court. But pickleball sets tend to be geared towards beginners, while most high-end paddles are sold individually.
However, you can have it both ways, scoring awesome gear at a great value, if you know where to look. Lucky for you, we’ve done the homework already.
Check out the best pickleball sets for 2022 below!
Best Overall Pickleball Set: PROLITE Illuminate 2.0 2 Paddle Bundle with Sling Bag
Photo by PickleballCentral
PROLITE has made a name for itself in the pickleball community by making high-quality gear that remains accessible to a wide range of players. The PROLITE Illuminate 2.0 is no exception. It offers a suite of solid features in an attractively-priced package.
The paddle’s graphite surface features added UV texturing for an improved spin. The low-profile edge design protects the paddle but reduces awkward edge-on bounces.
One of the highlights of this paddle is the handle design, which is contoured and tacky. This gives it a grippiness that helps maintain control (players whose hands sweat a lot will particularly appreciate it!).
The Illuminate 2.0 is on the lighter side, which increases its maneuverability. But it still has enough heft to offer power on ground strikes and serves. The entire package comes with a stylish sling bag to get your gear to and from the court.
Overall, this is a great all-around pickleball paddle set at a competitive price.
Key Features:
- Paddles: 2
- Pickleball balls: 3 outdoor
- 1 Zippered Sling Bag
- Paddle Construction: Carbon fiber surface with UV texturing, polymer honeycomb core
- Paddle Weight: 7.6 oz
- Net: Not Included
- Paddle Dimensions: 15.5″x7.75″
- Extra features: United States of America Pickleball Association (USAPA)-approved, sling bag included, tacky contoured grip, low-profile edge
Pros:
- Excellent grip design
- Great value for the quality
- Attractive design
Cons:
- 4″ grip circumference might be small for some
Best Overall Pickleball Set — Runner Up: Rally Flare Graphite 2-Paddle Bundle
The Rally Flare Graphite 2-Paddle Bundle is one of the most popular pickleball paddles sets out there. Thanks to the inclusion of a good all-around paddle in the Rally Flare.
This is a maneuverable, lightweight paddle with a solid sweet spot and a reactive graphite surface that is well-suited to control-style players who value touch over pop, or who don’t mind putting a little extra muscle into their power shots.
Key Features:
- Paddles: 2
- Pickleball balls: 4 outdoor
- Paddle Construction: Graphite, polymer honeycomb core
- Paddle Weight: 7.5 oz
- Net: Not Included
- Paddle Dimensions: 15.4″x7.75″
- Extra features: USAPA approved, 2 paddle covers included, thin edge guard
Pros:
- Great value for the quality
- Good build quality and materials
Cons:
- 4″ grip circumference might be small for some
Best Pickleball Set for Intermediate Players: Paddletek Phoenix G6 Composite Bundle
The Paddletek Phoenix G6 Composite Bundle features intermediate players will appreciate. Most notable is an additional graphite layer inside the paddles to improve control and create the quieter play.
Paddletek - and its satisfied customers - claim that this adds some extra pop to hits, and increases the paddle’s overall shock absorption. This, coupled with a medium-circumference grip with a reinforced structure, can prevent paddle vibrations from affecting your shot accuracy.
Paddletek describes the Phoenix G6 as a "strong hitter that puts the pressure on your opponents while providing you with a touch that’s surprisingly gentle."
The Paddletek Phoenix G6 Composite Bundle is a strong pickleball set for players looking to upgrade from a beginner’s pickleball set (or to get a jump start with quality equipment from the beginning.)
Key Features:
- Paddles: 2
- Pickleball balls: 4 outdoor
- Paddle Construction: Velvet textured Polycarbonate surface, polymer + graphite honeycomb core
- Paddle Weight: 7.8-8.1 oz
- Net: Not Included
- Paddle Dimensions: 15.625″x7.75″
- Extra features: USAPA-approved, extra graphite layer in the core
Pros:
- Extra quiet and extra vibration control
- Good build quality and materials
- Good weight for intermediate players
Cons:
- No paddle covers or carrying bag
- 5″ grip size might be larger than necessary for intermediate players
Best Budget Complete Pickleball Set: Rally Meister Complete Beginner Pickleball Set with Portable Pickleball Net
If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to try out pickleball at the lowest possible price, the Rally Meister Complete Beginner Pickleball Set with Portable Net might be right for you.
It’s also a pickleball set of 4 paddles as well as a net, so you can get started playing doubles as well as singles! At right around $100, this popular set provides everything 4 players need to try out a doubles match, down to an included rules guide and line chalk.
Now, let’s talk about the paddles — they’re wooden, and that’s the primary reason for the lower cost. However, that’s not a dealbreaker. In fact, originally all pickleball paddles were wooden.
These Rally Meister paddles are made from a durable 7-play maple that can withstand some heavy use, and they weigh in at around 10oz. That’s quite heavy for a pickleball paddle. Most players will find themselves quickly wanting a lighter, faster paddle.
Key Features:
- Paddles: 4
- Pickleball balls: 4
- 1 Drawstring Bag for gear
- 1 Shoulder-carry bag for net
- Paddle Construction: 7-ply maple
- Paddle Weight: 10 oz
- Paddle Dimensions: Not available
- Extra features: USAPA-approved paddles, line chalk, rules/strategy guide
Pros:
- Includes everything players could possibly need to get started quickly
- Extremely inexpensive for the amount of gear
Cons:
- Wooden paddles
- Non-regulation net width
Best Pickleball Set With Net Included: Rally Flare Graphite Set
The Rally Flare Graphite Pickleball Set is for players who want to invest in a full high-quality pickleball set and save money by snagging it as a bundle. The included regulation-sized net system sets up in minutes thanks to its easy tent-like pole system.
The set comes with 4 high-quality paddles with graphite surfaces and polymer cores, weighing in at an average of 7.5oz. This lighter weight is good for players who focus more on precise control than power or who feel fatigued when using heavier paddles.
The set loads up nicely into a durable duffle bag for easy transport. There are sets that cost twice as much as the Rally Flare Graphite Set that don’t offer any significant upgrade over the equipment included here.
Key Features:
- Paddles: 4
- Pickleball balls: 4 outdoor
- Paddle Construction: Graphite surface, polymer honeycomb core
- Paddle Weight: 7.3-7.8 oz
- 1 Fanatic Duffle Bag
- Net: Included
- Paddle Dimensions: 15.4″x7.75″
- Extra features: pickleball rulebook, USAPA approved
Pros:
- Fully portable pickleball court set
- Heavy duty, high-quality duffle bag
- Includes excellent paddle model
Cons:
- Not much cheaper than buying items individually
Best Pickleball Set to Gift: Nettie
Photo by Playnettie
Nettie’s products are simply gorgeous. We love that the designs are inspired by locales relevant to pickleball’s history (like Bainbridge Island, Washington, where pickleball was invented), as well as Nettie’s company history.
This set also includes two sweatbands for even more vintage goodness. The Nettie brand is all about fun, and that makes the Nettie set far and away the best pickleball set to give as a gift.
It’s the kind of package that’s going to make others excited to get out onto the court and give the sport a try.
Key Features:
- Paddles: 2
- Pickleball balls: 2
- Paddle Construction: Carbon fiber surface, polymer honeycomb core
- Paddle Weight: 7.8 oz - 8 oz
- Net: Not Included
- Paddle Dimensions: 15.75 x 7.75 x 0.62
- Extra features: 2 retro sweatbands, beautiful packaging
Pros:
- Beautiful and stylish
- Great for introducing friends to the sport
- Attractive packaging
- Good all-around paddles
Cons:
- No carrying case/bag
- Expensive compared to similar products
Best Pickleball Set on Amazon: niupipo Pickleball Paddle Set
The niupipo Pickleball Paddle Set is one of the most popular pickleball sets on Amazon, and for good reason.
The set features a fiberglass-hitting surface and polypropylene honeycomb core, as well as a nicely-cushioned grip. Customers note the included carrying bag is well-made, and the rackets have a comparatively large sweet spot.
These paddles have a bit of heft to them, so take that into account. If you want some extra power, that’s great. But if you’re a person who likes a lighter paddle, or who worries about your joints, there are more lightweight options available.
But there’s a reason this pickleball set is as popular on Amazon as it is: thousands of customers have been satisfied with the gear and the price.
Key Features:
- Paddles: 2
- Pickleball balls: 4 (2 indoor, 2 outdoor)
- 1 Zippered Bag
- Paddle Construction: Graphite surface, polymer honeycomb core
- Paddle Weight: 8 oz
- Net: Not Included
- Paddle Dimensions: 13.5″x7.9″
- Extra features: USAPA-approved, 4-paddle version available
Pros:
- Proprietary edge guard design
- Great price for the quality
- Good included bag
Cons:
- Cheaper build quality than some higher-end paddles
Best Pickleball for Four Players: Franklin X-1000 4-Paddle Bundle
Photo by PickleballCentral
The Franklin X-1000 4-Paddle Bundle is a strong pickleball set for 4 players, given the quality of the X-1000 Paddle and the price of the bundle.
This bundle also includes four Franklin X-40 Outdoor pickleball balls, which are high-quality balls. In fact, they’re the Official Pickleball Ball of the US Open Pickleball Championships.
The Franklin X-1000’s fiberglass surface offers pinpoint accuracy and an overall lighter feel, given the composite material’s slight flex.
Key Features:
- Paddles: 4
- Pickleball balls: 3 outdoor
- Paddle Construction: Composite fiberglass, polymer honeycomb core
- Paddle Weight: 7.9 oz
- Net: Not Included
- Paddle Dimensions: 15.75″x8.25″
- Extra features: USAPA-approved, X-40 pickleball
Pros:
- Some players will appreciate the wider body design
- High-quality pickleball balls included
Cons:
- Some players may not like the wide body design
- No paddle covers or bag
How to Choose the Best Sets for Pickleball
When looking for a complete pickleball set, there are a few factors to take into consideration.
Quality
The overall build quality of pickleball paddles can vary greatly, even among paddles that appear similar. Low-quality paddles will degrade more quickly and might suffer from defects like dead spots or improperly secured components. You can avoid getting stuck with low-quality gear by buying from reputable manufacturers.
Materials
The materials used in pickleball sets greatly affect how they’ll feel when you’re playing. This is particularly true of paddles!
Most modern paddles have a polymer honeycomb core, and their faces—the striking surface—will typically be graphite or fiberglass. (When you see manufacturers say “carbon fiber,” they often use the term interchangeably with “graphite,” by the way.) Neither material is “better,” but there are differences between them.
Graphite is often considered to have more "pop", while fiberglass is more lightweight and maneuverable. Older or very inexpensive paddles may be made from wood, which tends to be heavier and less effective.
Some paddles also incorporate proprietary polymers or special composite materials, but this is less common.
What’s Included
Bang for your buck matters, and accessories add up! Aside from paddles and/or a net, pickleball sets will usually include a few pickleball balls — the more included, the better the value!
Bundles may also include paddle covers or a carrying bag, which adds more value and convenience. Some have further add-ons, like replacement grip tape or link chalk.
Paddle Weight
Pickleball paddles can weigh anywhere from 6 ounces to 14 ounces, and the weight greatly affects your playing experience.
Heavier paddles will make it easier to hit the ball powerfully, but they’re also less agile. Of course, they’ll also cause fatigue more quickly, and they may exacerbate joint problems.
Lighter paddles are better for finesse, control, and pinpoint accuracy. Most of the paddles in this list weigh between 7.5 oz and 8 oz, which most players will prefer—a light paddle, but not too light.
USAPA Compliant
Pickleball paddles that are USAPA-compliant fall within a set of standard guidelines. Their length cannot exceed 17 inches, for example, and the paddle’s total surface area cannot exceed 24 square inches, including the butt cap and edge guard.
USAPA-certified paddles also undergo testing for design features that might create an unfair advantage, like a non-flat striking surface or using a non-rigid surface material. Using USAPA-compliant paddles means everyone’s playing fairly. It’s also usually a requirement for playing in tournaments.
Portability
Since most pickleball players bring their gear with them from home, having everything in a neatly portable package makes a difference. This is particularly true for pickleball nets, with the best of them being lightweight, easy to set up, and easy to pack. The best pickleball portable net sets will come with a sturdy bag for easy transportation.
Pickleball paddle sets sometimes come with a bag as well, which is great for convenience. This allows you to stow away a few paddles, some balls, and other personal accessories all in one bag that you can carry right onto the court.
In case your pickleball set doesn’t include a bag, there are many great options to buy a pickleball bag.
Suitable for Indoors or Outdoors
Most pickleball gear is fine to use both indoors and outdoors, but it’s always good to find equipment that can withstand the elements. This is especially true in the case of nets.
Some people prefer to leave their nets up and outside for long periods of time, and for many pickleball nets that won’t be a problem at all. Others might not stand up to harsh sunlight or rain and may degrade or mildew. Pickleballs also come in indoor and outdoor varieties. For casual play, you can use either interchangeably, but it’s nice to have access to both!
Price
Quality pickleball gear is generally fairly-priced and accessible. That’s a big reason why the sport is such a hit!
Passionate players can splurge on professional-level gear. But your everyday player can also compete with quality affordable equipment.
People buying pickleball sets are often newer players who want to try the sport with friends or family, or are outfitting a local club or school group—in these cases, getting a good value for the money is even more important.
What’s Included in a Pickleball Set?
Common items featured in a pickleball set include:
- Paddles (usually 2 or 4)
- Balls (usually 2 to 4)
- A carrying bag or paddle covers
- A net (sometimes)
- Other gear: Less commonly, pickleball sets may include line chalk, a portable rules booklet, a headband or sweatband, or replacement paddle grips
Complete Pickleball Sets vs. Pickleball Paddle Sets
When you’re buying a pickleball set, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting! Pickleball paddle sets usually include 2 or 4 paddles, a few pickleball balls, and a carrying bag (but not always.)
Complete pickleball sets are meant to give you everything you need to play from scratch, which will also include a portable net (including poles for its frame), a bag for carrying the net package and potentially line chalk for marking out the court’s various lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t have a net, you’ve got a few options. You can buy a portable pickleball net, or buy a pickleball set that comes with a net—this is the ideal solution. You can also buy a net converter, which is a small strap that constricts the height of an existing tennis net to bring it down to the correct pickleball height of 36 inches high in the middle.
Or, if you want, you can simply play using a regular tennis net. It’s not ideal, but it’s not going to ruin your game. At the end of the day, having fun is what matters. If you don’t have access to a court with pickleball lines, you may also need to bring some chalk and measuring tape along to mark the correct lines.
Complete pickleball sets with included nets range from around $100 for the least expensive models up to $700 for bundles featuring premium nets and 4 high-quality paddles.
Get geared up and hit the court!
Don’t overthink your gear, especially in the beginning. Pickleball is a blast no matter what equipment you’re playing with. So, the important thing is to get out there and play.
Every pickleball set on this list will get you out on the court and participating. So, check out the options, follow your gut, and enjoy!
